The Lazy Project Manager workshop

Having unfortunately missed the evening session with Peter Taylor back in June of this year, I personally was eagerly anticipating the return of an enjoyable and enthralling talk (not to mention learning the techniques to reduce my current ridiculous workload).

On 16th October, I and the other delegates arrived in the main reception at The Queens Hotel, Leeds and felt immediately transported to another time by the beautiful art deco interior...

Before the event began I spoke with Peter about his career to date and he informed me that he is currently working on a comedy stand-up routine... from a project managers perspective. Definitely one for future office parties!

The session itself ranged from hands on discussions around smarter thinking through power point presentations and Peters own version of Who wants to be a millionaire? (with a PM twist of course). Lots of the discussions took place; about the types of people one meets in any organisation, with typical profiles ringing many a bell. The chance of taking one of Peters free badges for the lazy project manager as well as a smiley face badge for each project manager who smiled could not be resisted.

Over lunchtime refreshments, one could appreciate the company of the diverse mix of representatives who attended this afternoon workshop. (Even if I did have to watch my behaviour whilst I was sitting with representatives from the National Crime Agency.)

The essence of Peters presentation is that the project manager - project sponsor interface is key to a successful project. This lends weight to the increasing notion that people who understand how projects and processes work should be able to liaise effectively with the business leaders of the world to increase the chances of projects succeeding.

Interestingly, the notion of humour being an important factor in any work environment was also discussed. As I have said to my work colleagues many times in the past; I spend more time with them than with my family, so if you couldnt have a laugh at work once in a while then the world would be a very dull place. Project managers run projects; it is not a matter of life and death. The revolution starts here for anybody who has endured serious (and dull) meetings, to attempt to implement such a change whilst remaining serious when it truly matters.